Hike to Zapata Falls

This is a hike is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, that leads to a 30ft. cave waterfall.

Driving towards the Sand Dunes, you will see a sign marker that indicates the road up to Zapata Falls. Turn right onto the road a follow it for about 2 miles until you hit the parking lot at the top. The road is in pretty rough condition so if your car doesn't have high clearance make sure you take it slow. Once you reach the parking lot, you will see an 10ft sign indicating the trail head. You will follow the trail up for 1/2 mile leading to the cave entrance. Depending on the time of year you will continue into the cave, either on ice or through water and you will see the falls in the back of the cave.

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Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Scenic

Waterfall

Photos

Reviews

Absolutely loved looking at iced waterfall, listening to water run under the ice and being mesmerized by light play of water running behind waterfall ice front.
Easier hike than expected. Glad we had ice crampons for short traverse if ice. Better road than expected, as I’ve driven Subaru up many worse to other trailheads.
My granddaughters first snow hike. Wonderful introduction to playing in the winter!

This hike is one of my all time favorites!
1/4 mile up a rocky trail to the water. Wading upstream in ankle deep, very cold water to the cave. Waterfall is in the back. It was spectacular! I loved all of it! Highly recommend! Throw on some water shoes, grab a walking stick and do it!
Might want to take a 4WD vehicle up to the parking area, definitely a high clearance vehicle. There were cars there but no way I would've taken my Honda!

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